The Rose Parade was only about three weeks ago, but planning is already under way for next year’s procession, with the Tournament of Roses announcing Friday the theme of the 2019 parade will be “The Melody of Life.”

Gerald Freeny is president for the 2018-2019 Tournament of Roses year.

Meanwhile, Gerald Freeny, a volunteer with the Tournament of Roses Association since 1988, was named president of the organization for the 2018-19 year and will preside over next year’s parade and Rose Bowl Game. He is the first black president of the association.

“The 2019 theme, ‘The Melody of Life,’ celebrates music, the universal language,” Freeny said in a statement. “Music has the power to not only bring us together but take us back to memories and moments as nothing else can. Rhythm, melody, harmony and color all come together to create the soundtrack that defines our lives.”